.png)
February 2025 Monthly Clergy Call
Sisters and Brothers,
On Tuesday, we hosted a powerful event and panel discussion on Black Birthing Ministries in the Black Church, highlighting the sacred responsibility we have to reclaim and liberate Black birth. The Black Church has long been a cornerstone of our communities, and we must continue to uplift and protect Black mothers, babies, and families in the face of a deeply unjust maternal health system.
During the conversation, you heard from:
Rosalee Boyer – First Lady of Greater Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, where they are building the Back in Our Hands Birth Wellness Center; Co-Founder & Developmental Director of Salvation and Social Justice; Board Member of the NJ Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority
Crystal D. Charley, MBA, CD (SMC) – Director of Back in Our Hands Birth & Wellness Center
Lisa Asare, BA, MPH – CEO of the NJ Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight – State Representative for the 29th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly; First Lady of Congregational Baptist Church
Rev. Kamaria Byrd McAllister – First Lady of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, PA; Minister providing our theological reflection
We are reaching out to you today because the state of maternal health in New Jersey demands immediate attention and action. New Jersey has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate in the nation with Black women being 7 times more likely than white women to die before or after they have given birth, and Black babies, 3 times more likely to die than white babies before or after reaching their first birthday. Black mothers are also more likely to experience severe complications during childbirth, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Despite efforts to improve maternal health in New Jersey over the past several years, Black women in the state continue to face disproportionately higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths compared to any other racial or ethnic group. This is evidence that the pervasive reach of structural racism not only undermines our health care system but also infiltrates every institution in our society, severely impacting the economic stability and overall well-being of Black families.
As members of the Black community, we have the power to shape the polices that affect us, but that power only works when we use it. We must urge our lawmakers to introduce and support legislation that addresses the alarming maternal health disparities that exist, particularly among Black mothers and their children, by addressing and redressing its root causes. The data speaks for itself—Black mothers in New Jersey face significant and life-threatening disparities that CANNOT be ignored.
This email aims to inspire you to take that first step toward engaging your leaders, using the tools and resources we have provided to ensure your voice is heard. Together, we can create the change we seek, turning our collective power into lasting impact.
Here are 3 simple things you can do:
SandSJ is currently advocating for two key pieces of legislation:
Targeted Workforce Development Program: We are encouraging legislators to adopt policy that establishes a targeted workforce development program that would commit to the recruitment and support of Black women in midwifery programs as a response to the maternal health disparities that exist in this state. This program should be intentional in its outreach to target communities, offer financial support to participants as they pursue their certification, and should provide small business training that would equip participants with the “know how” to return to their communities and establish the facilities and care that are required.
Establishment of Birthing Justice and Equity Initiatives: We seek to address the erosion of access to maternity care by funding community- led birthing supports and services. This legislation would allocate dollars toward rebuilding critical healthcare sources and expand state investments to include advocacy training, lactation support, perinatal services, and doula support.
Contact your representative by visiting https://njleg.state.nj.us/#findLegislator, and urge them to adopt and advance policies that would support the building out of culturally congruent maternal health providers and services.
At the federal level, reach out to members of Congress at the House of Representatives and the Senate urging them to support the Momnibus Act led by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Senator Corey Booker, and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. It is legislation that comprehensively addresses every dimension of the Black maternal health crisis in America.
It would:
Make critical investments in social determinants of health
Provide funding to community-based organizations doing the work
Grow and diversify the perinatal workforce to ensure that every mom in America receives culturally congruent maternity care and support
Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure to climate change related risks for moms and babies among many other things.
Contact your congressional representatives by visiting https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member, urging them to reintroduce and champion this legislation, and advocating for the bills within the package that resonate with you. Learn more about the Momnibus Act by visiting https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/Momnibus.
In just a few weeks of taking office, the Trump administration has already taken steps to roll back protections in health access, environment, diversity and equity, public safety and so much more. On November 4, 2025, New Jersey will be holding its gubernatorial election. Our engagement is more than a civic duty; it’s a necessary step in holding our state leaders accountable and pushing for policies that will benefit us all and safeguard against a hostile federal administration.
Make your voice heard and cast your vote! Check your voter registration status by visiting https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check. If you or someone you know needs to register to vote, please do so by visiting https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register.
Dive into the enlightening pages of the "Black in Our Hands Pulpit Toolkit" and embark on a journey that explores the intricate tapestry of Black maternal health, midwifery, and the invaluable role of doulas. This toolkit not only delves into the rich history of Black maternal care but also sheds light on the contemporary challenges and triumphs within this realm. With insightful information about policy implications and a treasure trove of liturgical resources, this toolkit serves as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment. Whether you're a pastor, healthcare professional, an advocate for social justice, or simply someone with a thirst for understanding, the "Black in Our Hands Pulpit Toolkit" offers indispensable insights that can spark meaningful conversations, drive positive change, and ultimately contribute to the betterment of maternal health outcomes for Black women. Take the step to educate yourself and others, and let's collectively strive towards a future where every woman receives the care and support she deserves.
Comments